It’s 7:45am and instead of being surrounded by fellow festival-goers who are desperately glugging down some tepid water after a night of raving to the latest drum and bass hits, I’m watching a group on my left stretch, breathe, and balance their way through a morning yoga session while a group on my right are warming up to begin a 52km ultra-trail race around the Gower Peninsula.
Welcome to Love Trails festival, dubbed as the world’s original running, music, and adventure festival.
Really, it’s something that I wish I could gatekeep because God forbid the ticket situation ever gets to the same horror show that we endure for Glastonbury every year. But alas, it is my job to report on the best, upcoming things in the fitness and wellness world, so here we are.
The four-day festival in the Gower peninsula, South Wales, is essentially a mecca for runners. From brands like Salomon, Lumi, and Tenzing giving out samples and the chance to trial their products to the jam-packed schedule of events, talks, experiences, and of course, runs, the festival felt like a place where my inner running geek could truly flourish.
First impressions count
I arrived on Thursday evening and quickly pitched my tent so that I could head into the main field and explore what was on offer. The main stage sat at the far end, well-positioned next to the bar and food trucks, while the rest was filled with tents for the other activities, stalls for shopping, and some incredible views over the coast.
The first evening was promising. While the festival has expanded rapidly since its formation in 2016, Love Trails is still small, but its buzz wasn’t lacking. Within a few hours of arriving, I’d bumped into a number of friends from run clubs I’ve attended in London and made new friends by chatting to the runners around me.
On Friday morning, I laced up my trainers at 8am and set out on a grateful mile, led by Mark White and the Run Grateful crew. We began with a motivational talk from Mark before heading for a mile jog around the festival grounds, with a pause halfway to think about someone that was important to us and the opportunity to write on a gratitude board at the end of the run. You’re probably thinking ‘how cheesy’ but reading everyone’s contributions was touching – ‘I’m grateful for my run club friends’; ‘I’m grateful for my good health’; ‘I’m grateful to be here at LoveTrails’. What better way to start the day? Movement and mindfulness complete.
Off into the trails…
Personally, I’m an avid runner, having completed two ultra marathons in my life (so far) so my weekend didn’t stop after my first mile. Next up, I joined a 10km trail run with world class athlete, Ryan Sandes. With a group of around 50 runners, Ryan led us out across grassy farmland and onto the trails. Being based in London, I definitely wasn’t used to climbing such huge hills at that pace but the views over the peninsula were worth it.
Once back at the festival site, we enjoyed a coffee and Q+A session with Ryan, learning from his expertise as an ultra-trail runner and Red Bull adventure athlete.
Anything less strenuous?
I’d had my eyes set on an 18km run to the coast, but my legs were aching after that outing in the hills. Instead, I set out on a hike passing through country roads and farmland, taking it at my own pace.
Along the way, I passed other festival-goers some going, some coming back from the beach. Everyone was full of high spirits and friendly, it was so easy to make friends and join on to groups of runners or walkers because everyone had one thing in common: they loved moving their body and being adventurous.
When I reached the beach, I was met with sweeping sand dunes, miles of golden sand, and the waves rippling over the shore at low tide. The only indication that I wasn’t on the French Riviera or somewhere deep along the Mediterranean coastline were the flocks of sheep bleating on the sand next to me. We are in Wales after all…
The trip took just over three hours in total, but you could easily spend an entire day hiking the coastline or swimming in the sea.
After all the exercise, I was (rightfully) shattered and feeling fairly sore. A quick stop in the yoga tent for a flow session with Jess Symondson helped me relax after a tough day and prepare me for an evening of music, entertainment, and drinking.
Pass me a pint – it’s a festival after all
There are novelty events that combine drinking and running, such as the daily Salomon Cow Bell Challenge (run, down a beer, run, and then ring the bell when you think two minutes has elapsed), the infamous beer mile relay, and the pub crawl run; as well as plenty of opportunities to drink and dance the night away.
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The headline acts were good, but the promise of old school tunes and karaoke tempted me away from the main stage. Found at the opposite end of the field, the festival’s own pub, the Falcon, Fox & Hare, hosted a piano sing-along with Sarah Weiler.
Belting 90s and noughties bangers late into the night with hundreds of others was certainly a highlight, so much so, that I almost want to start a petition to get Sarah and her crew on the main stage next year.
Join me next year…
Because I will be attending next year. The festival is too good to miss out on. Not only do you get a crazy number of free talks, yoga, guided trail runs and more included in your ticket, but you also get the choice of partaking in the Love Trails Trail Race on Saturday (5km, 10km and 27km races available). I took part in the 10km event which took us on an amazing route across the Gower peninsula with stunning views across the coastline and over the festival site – it was a great, except for the final hill, that was a killer.
But the beauty of Love Trails is that there really is something for everyone. You don’t have to be a runner to come and enjoy it. The runs are optional (don’t worry, you won’t be pulled out your tent at 6am to run) and there’s plenty to keep you entertained at the site. It’s family-friendly too, with arts and crafts and storytelling for kids’ and even canicross experiences for you and your dog.
However, if you are a runner like me, you’ll be in heaven. Grab your tent, lace up your trail shoes and get ready for what’s essentially a runner’s dream come true.
Do it!
- Lovetrails Festival 2025 will take place 10- 13 July, 2025 on the Gower Peninsula, South Wales. Prices from £245
- Get there via train BOOK NOW
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